Watercolour drawing illustrating the act of worship at a Kali temple in Titaghar, West Bengal, by an anonymous artist working in the Calcutta style, c. 1798-1804. Inscribed: 'The worship of the Hindoo Goddess Bhawannie. Tytoghur near Barrackpoor.'
Kali is a manifestation of the great goddess Devi, in her most fierce form. She is often depicted as the personification of Durga's anger as she slays the Buffalo Demon and is the deity revered by a very emotional cult. Kali literally means 'the Black One' and her origins may have stemmed from a tribal deity. For many generations she was considered to be a warrior goddess and was worshipped with sacrificial offerings of flesh and liquor. She was viewed as all-powerful, fierce, passionately sensual and demanding. Yet to her worshippers she was always the all-merciful protector and mother. This drawing shows a courtyard full of worshippers, some carrying goats for sacrifice.